When two worlds collide.

A deep dive into the new Printemps Store in Lower Manhattan from a fashion loving former interior designer.

Did Manhattan really need another high-end department store when it looks like America is heading for a recession, and designer sales are flailing? Some may say no. As someone who loves to shop, I say why the heck not! New York City is home to some of the most amazing shopping in the states with Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom’s Flagship all within walking distance in Uptown Manhattan.

What’s currently lacking in a city with so many options, you may ask? A fun, whimsically designed store that takes you out of the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle and allows you to fully immerse yourself into a one of a kind retail experience. Is Printemps the answer to this missing piece of retail in a city where new stores are a dime a dozen?

A very quick history lesson.

Printemps American debut has been running ads with the slogan “not a department store”, yet this is what comes up when you look at the history of the brand on their website.

The First Department Store in West Paris!

This was a bit confusing to me.. they are saying they aren’t a department store yet their history notes them as a department store since their inception. It got me thinking, what makes a store a department store? I know this sounds a bit silly because isn’t it obvious? A department store is a retail establishment that offers a wide range of products in different product categories or departments. So what makes this store so different? The thoughtful layout and playful, Parisian design. You won’t find a Gucci shop or branded beauty counter in Printemps.

An intro to Printemps Head Designer & Architect: Laura Gonzalez

Laura Gonzalez is easily one of my favorite interior designers. She’s most well known for her beautiful maximalist style that thoughtfully mixes patterns, and bright colors. She started her own design firm in 2008 at the ripe age of 24 while she was still a design student (such a flex), and now has a beautiful private townhouse in Paris that she converted into her design studio that boasts 45 employees. Her work ranges from residential, retail, and even hotels and restaurants. She really does it all!

Could you imagine having lunch in this kitchen every day?!

I’d be happy to take a meeting here at 5pm on a Friday.. and that’s saying a lot :)

Laura launched her own furniture line in 2018 and it’s a feast for the eyes! How gorgeous are these pieces? Some of them are even featured in Printemps, but if you want to see the full collection, you can visit her Galerie in Tribeca.

If you are loving all of this as much as I am - consider adding her coffee table book to your collection.

My first visit: the soft opening.

As I approached the store on Wall Street, the doorman opened the door and greeted me with a bonjour! It was like I had been transported straight to Paris. I was so excited to finally see the space in person after watching endless tiktok’s of Laura’s latest creation. Some spaces were getting more love than others on social media, so I wanted to make sure I saw every single space possible.. including the dressing rooms. As a note, I am not going to cover the food & beverage areas in this post - but will in my April Agenda!

The area getting the most press right now (for good reason I might add) is the 1 Wall Street Banking Room, also referred to as the Red Room. The Irving Trust Company’s banking room originally opened in 1931, and served as an opulent image of prosperity and wealth after the 1929 financial collapse. Tile mosaics and murals were becoming popular again when 1 Wall Street’s architect tapped Hildreth Meière, a female muralist known for her Art Deco designs to adorn the room with her beautiful creations. Seeing this in person is truly breathtaking, especially when you understand the history. Chase Bank in 2025 could never.

In June of 2024, the LPC designated the Red Room as an Interior Landmark

The Red Room is now Printemp’s Whimsical Shoe Salon

I love how Laura didn’t mimic the art deco nature of the room, rather she made the room playful, and fun by adding curves, lilypad-esque displays and larger than life floral light fixtures - everything I want when I am browsing for shoes and want to make a purchase that may or may not be questionable for my bank account. Oh the irony..

My second favorite part of the store were the dressing rooms right off the escalators on the second floor. Can you even? Typically this much pattern would throw me into a frenzy, but this is going on my mood board for my future home.

a love affair has begun with this iconic pair of jil sander heels.

The dressing rooms are everything I wished for and more. I feel like the dressing room situation at most retail stores these days are abysmal to say the least. I can’t lie, the new Reformation dressing room concept is probably my favorite, but these are a close second.

Lastly, the beautiful Salle de Bain - Printemps take on the modern day spa.

The beauty department is full of French brands I have never heard of but I am guessing they are stocked in those really good french pharmacies that all the TikTok girlies rave about during their summer Europe trips. There are only three spa treatment rooms, but they are absolutely gorgeous with custom marble cabinetry and beautiful lighting. You will find me here in the next few months getting some sort of spa treatment.. I have my eyes peels for the spa menu and will be sharing it as soon as I see it!!!

A love letter to Printemps.

Laura Gonzalez, the woman you are!!! Bringing a brand to life is not easy - I’ve done it myself working in retail and hospitality design. This store would not be what it is without the brilliant foundation of the historic One Wall Street Building mixed with the magic from Laura’s team. When it comes to retail, the product is typically what makes my heart flutter, but in this case it’s the opposite. I could care less what is actually being sold, I am just happy to be in such a gorgeous space!

Image from Laura Gonzalez’s feature with La Double J

Summer Sneak Peak.

I am heading to Italy this summer for my best friend’s wedding in Tuscany!!! My boyfriend and I went to Europe last summer and stayed in one of the most beautiful boutique hotel’s I have ever laid eyes on, La Fantaisie. I became obsessed with the hotel brand and found out they recently opened Casa Monti Roma, a boutique hotel designed by none other than the maximalist queen herself: Laura Gonzalez. We will only be in Rome for one night, so we’re going to indulge and stay at Casa Monti before heading to Tuscany for the wedding.

Thanks so much for reading, your support means the world to me!

xo, Melissa